Multi-Propulsion, Multi-Fuel Marine Power System

Abstract

A marine propulsion and power supply for maritime vessels that includes an arrangement of modules that can be internal combustion engines, regenerative electric motors, engine generators, turbine generators and/or battery banks. These components can be arranged in such a way as to work together to increase efficiency and to utilize various fuel combinations to achieve the lowest overall operating cost or other goals whilst minimizing harmful emissions. Sensors can be used monitor various power parameters and can be coupled to a closed-loop in a control system to achieve vessel operating goals.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A high efficiency propulsion system for a marine vessel comprising:
 a plurality of rotating power sources of different types coupled to at least one propeller;   wherein, at least one of these power sources is a regenerative electric motor and at least one is an internal combustion engine;   a battery electrically connectable to said at least one regenerative electric motor;   a turbine powered generator electrically connectable to propulsion systems;   an engine generator electrically connectable to said battery;   a control system programmed to select combinations of power sources from said plurality of rotating power sources;   whereby, said control system optimizes vessel performance based on a predetermined efficiency goal.   
     
     
         2 . The high efficiency propulsion system of  claim 1  wherein said control system further controls one of said turbine powered generator or said engine generator. 
     
     
         3 . The high efficiency propulsion system of  claim 1  wherein said control system contains a processor. 
     
     
         4 . The high efficiency propulsion system of  claim 1  wherein said predetermined efficiency goal is selected from the group consisting of lowest cost, fastest trip, minimum emissions and lowest fuel usage. 
     
     
         5 . The high efficiency propulsion system of  claim 1  further comprising a plurality of sensors coupled to said control system. 
     
     
         6 . The high efficiency propulsion system of  claim 5  wherein said sensors are selected from the group consisting of engine RPM, shaft RPM, torque, fuel use rate, fuel quantity, battery charge state and battery charge rate. 
     
     
         7 . The high efficiency propulsion system of  claim 1  further comprising a GPS receiver coupled to said control system that can provide absolute vessel speed and heading as well as vessel location. 
     
     
         8 . The high efficiency propulsion system of  claim 1  further comprising weather sensors coupled to said control system that can provide wind velocity and direction and wave height. 
     
     
         9 . The high efficiency propulsion system of  claim 1  wherein said control system receives dynamically updated fuel prices.